Reflections

I decided to apply for an Aurora internship in the final semester of my Bachelor of Arts, in which I took an extended major in anthropology. At that point in my degree, getting a taste of ‘real life anthropology’ was exactly what I wanted and also felt I needed to do.

The one expectation I had of my experience as an Aurora intern was to begin to resolve the question that had been raised over my first four years at University regarding the value and legitimacy of Anthropology in relation to Indigenous affairs.

When I received confirmation of my Aurora placement with the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) in Darwin for six weeks over the winter break I was overjoyed. The prospect of working for such a unique organisation was extremely exciting.

Having just graduated with my double degree, I knew I wanted to continue my studies and undertake honours. But I felt I was lacking in the practical experience that often comes with anthropological work.

As soon as you get off the plane it hits you: air so thick you could cut it with a knife. Darwin, our closest city to the rest of the world, couldn’t feel more removed from Melbourne where I spend most of my time.

After graduating with my Bachelor Thesis Degree, having focused on the Mardu, a Western Desert people, I became keen on pursuing and deepening my understanding of Aboriginal culture. I applied for the Aurora Native Title Internship Program, aiming to improve my understanding of the social and po

I am a Bachelor of Arts (Anthropology & Archaeology) student at James Cook University. I did a 5 week Aurora Internship at the Northern Land Council, commencing in November 2013, as part of the Aurora Native Title Internship Program. .

If I were questioned about interns and their daily responsibilities prior to starting my Aurora internship at the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) this past summer, I would have probably conjured up mental images of a sleep-deprived coffee making, photocopying zomb